Ancient Earthworks
by Skip Willits
Title
Ancient Earthworks
Artist
Skip Willits
Medium
Photograph - Epson Lustre Paper
Description
These earthworks (behind the log) were constructed in early 1865 and were the site of brisk fighti9ng between the Union XV Corps and Confederate forces on Feb. 15, 1865. Approximately 75 enslaved and fee African Americans who were impressed into Confederate service were responsible for building much of the defensive line, which ran from Congsaree Creek to the Saluda Factory four miles to the north. The Conferderate Congress approved legislation authorizing impressment of black laborers in March 1863 because slaveholders were reluctant to provide slaves for service. Still labor shortages persisted. Major John R. Niernsee, SC Militia Chief Engineer, complained that he had to begin work at Congaree Creek with only 12 black workers and he request for 2,000 laborers was never met.
Uploaded
March 30th, 2017
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